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Label makers for outdoor and waterproof labels
The best label maker for outdoor labels prints laminated tape with strong adhesive: the Brother PT-D220 with TZe-S231 tape for home, the PT-E720BT for tougher jobs. The best label maker for liquid soap making is the same idea: laminated tape on a clean, dry bottle.
Updated 11-01-2026 by Imogen Pratt
Questions this page answers
How much does the tape cost, and am I locked in?
Most label makers only take their own brand's cartridges, so the tape decides your long-term cost. Brother TZe is laminated and costs more per foot; DYMO LetraTag paper costs less and lasts less.
Source: maker cassette specs.
Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white
Will labels survive water and freezers, or the dishwasher?
Laminated tape like Brother TZe holds up to spills and handling. Thermal paper labels fade with heat and light over time.
Source: maker tape descriptions.
Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape
Will labels peel off jars or freezer bins?
Textured and cold surfaces need stronger adhesive. Brother's extra-strength TZe tape exists for that.
Source: maker tape descriptions.
Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape
Machines for this
3D render, not a photoBrother P-touch PT-D220
Best overall for home and office
Laminated TZe tape is the durable choice; avoid thermal outdoors.
Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per 2.5-inch label on genuine 12 mm TZe tape.
3D render, not a photoBrother PT-E720BT Industrial Label Printer
Best for electricians and installers
Industrial laminated labels for harsher environments.
Cost per label: Industrial cassettes cost more than home TZe; budget per job rather than per label.
3D render, not a photoBrother P-touch CUBE Plus PT-P710BT
Most versatile app label maker
Wide laminated labels for garden sheds and garages.
Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per label on 12 mm TZe and 21¢ to 31¢ on 24 mm.
Before you pick one
Where outdoor labels fail first
Sun fades thermal paper within a season, and frost lifts adhesive from cold plastic. Label in a warm room, give the adhesive a day to set before the bin goes outside, and choose dark text on white or yellow tape, which stays readable longest as colors fade.
Prep the surface
Wipe with rubbing alcohol, let it dry fully and press the label for a few seconds. Most outdoor labels fail at the edges because the surface was dusty or oily.
Laminated beats thermal outside
Thermal labels fade in sun and heat. Laminated TZe tape keeps the print under a clear film.
Soap and shower bottles
Soap makers need labels that survive wet hands. Laminated tape with extra-strength adhesive on a dry bottle holds up far better than paper.
Vinyl for the garden
For plant markers and bins in the shed, all-weather vinyl labels from an industrial maker last longest.
Quick questions
Do labels fade outside?
Thermal labels do; laminated tape fades far less.
Can labels survive the shower?
Laminated tape on a dry bottle usually does.
What is the best label maker for soap making?
One that prints laminated tape, such as a Brother P-touch with TZe-S231 extra-strength tape.
Will labels stick to plastic bins outside?
Yes, if you clean the surface first and use strong adhesive.
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